15 Ways to Boost Metabolism

If you’re looking for ways to boost metabolism, then you probably already know about the amazing weight loss benefits. Increasing your metabolism means you’ll be burning more calories, making it easier for you to lose weight and keep it off!

But there’s more to it than that. Speeding up your metabolism will also help you sleep better and give you more energy. And of course, with weight loss means better health and looking great in your favorite outfit. What’s not to love?? Read on to learn about our top metabolism boosters!

Get plenty of sleep!

Having trouble keeping your eyes open while you work at your desk or sit in class? Well, obviously you need more sleep. But you’re hurting more than just your energy levels! Research proves that sleep deprivation slows your metabolism, so do whatever you can to get your rest!

Have some dark chocolate

Wait a second, eating dark chocolate will somehow boost my metabolism? Yep! Studies have shown that eating roughly one and a half ounces of dark chocolate daily (about the size of a Hershey’s bar) reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to slowing metabolism.

Laugh lots

Who doesn’t enjoy laughing? But it’s got more benefit than just making you happy. Laughing has also been shown to increase energy expenditure, and it takes just 10 minutes for it to work. Kick back and enjoy your favorite comedy!

Drink green tea

We love green tea here, and with good reason — it’s one of the easiest and quickest changes you can make to your diet if you’re looking to lose weight fast. That’s because it’s been proven to raise your resting metabolism by 4% and the rate at which your body burns fat by 17%. Drink up!

Have some grapefruit

Studies have shown that eating just half a grapefruit before meals caused noticeable weight loss. It works by reducing your body’s insulin levels, which in turn has a positive effect on metabolism and losing weight.

Have a cup of coffee

It’s good for more than dragging you out of bed or keeping you going during the day! Drinking a cup of coffee has been shown to boost your metabolism, with the effect peaking about three hours after drinking. Just skip the high-calorie add-ons.

Do HIIT cardio

High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, has not only been shown to be more effective at burning fat and raising your metabolism than traditional steady-state cardio, you’ll also get done quicker. What’s not to love?

It works by alternating short periods of intense effort with short periods of active rest. You might sprint for 30 seconds, then walk for 60 seconds and continue for 8-10 rounds. Completing an HIIT session should take just 10-20 minutes. If you’re able to go longer, you’re not going hard enough.

Don’t skip breakfast

I know, we said sleep boosts your metabolism so now you think you’re free to keep hitting snooze, right? Wrong! According to Dartmouth researchers, eating breakfast can raise your metabolism by 10%! Get ideas by checking out our article on the best breakfast foods for weight loss.

Have some dairy

A study of low-calorie dieters found that those who ate a dairy-rich diet lost 5 pounds more than others in the research program. It works because calcium increases thermogenesis, which boosts metabolism as well. This prompts your body to burn fat.

Hit the weights

The weight room isn’t just for guys! If you’re really looking to speed up your metabolism, make lifting weights part of your workout routine. Exercising with weights increases your resting metabolism because your body has to keep working after you’re done to build and repair your muscles.

Drink plenty of water

Ensuring that you get plenty of water is another simple and incredibly effective way to speed up your metabolism. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking 17oz of water (about 2 glasses) boosts metabolism by up to 30%!

Keep things spicy

Looking to lose weight and diet food’s boring you? Adding spice is not just a terrific low-calorie way to make things interesting, it will also speed up your metabolism! That’s thanks to a common element of spices known as capsaicin. Try some of our favorite healthy recipes with capsaicin.

Hop on your bike

Nice out and want to get in a workout? Hop on your bike and go for a ride! One study found that just a 45 minute ride sped up metabolism for the next 14 hours. That means you’ll keep burning calories long after your workout’s over!

Eat some nuts

Nuts like cashews, walnuts, and almonds are a terrific source of magnesium, which has been shown to increase metabolism. They do tend to be very dense in calories, however, so enjoy them in moderation.

Have a bedtime snack

It may sound weird, but having a healthy bedtime snack won’t just be a treat for you but will also benefit your weight loss. Eating a low-cal treat before sleeping will help regulate your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar eats away at muscle, which in turn slows your metabolism.

Try something new

Many popular diets these days leave you starving, restricting calories to the point that your metabolism actually SLOWS. But there is a little-known plan called the 3 Week Diet that actually teaches you what to eat and when.

This increases your metabolism, allowing you to shed weight and shed it FAST. Those on the diet report losing 12-23 pounds and 2-4 inches in a matter of weeks — all backed by science. Watch this video to learn more about how it works.

Make just a few of these ways to boost metabolism a part of your life, and losing weight and keeping it off will be a breeze! Make sure to pin this so you can check back for more ideas in the future!